Build ThreadsDedicated to the art of the build thread2017-11-26T00:46:13Zhttp://www.build-threads.com/feed/atom/WordPressanthhttp://www.build-threads.com/?p=127912017-11-26T00:46:13Z2017-11-26T00:45:50Z

Driftworks is one of many companies who have stepped up their vlogging game in 2017, giving us a glimpse into not only their fleet and products, but the personalities behind them. Just over a week ago, the guys released a great video of the team looking back over the build of their ASCAR-based AE86 drift car, discussing in detail the process of the build, ups and downs, etc. Enjoy!

I’ve said this before, but it’s the humble yet amazing DIY garage builds that truly encompass the mantra of this website, and it’s a sentiment that Greg, the owner of this Swift, agrees with. His words: “1987 Pontiac Firefly (That’s a Canadian-Market Suzuki Swift or Chevy Sprint), with a full tube-frame, full cage, small-block Chevy, converted to front-engine-rear-wheel-drive. It all fits under the body work, and looks a sleeper.” The best part? The total cost came in at $3200CDN (roughly $2500US), an exercise in true DIY (see: transmission tunnel sheetmetal pillaged from dead freezer).

Never underestimate the power of the internet! A short while back, I sent some Build-Threads stickers over to one of my favourite YouTubers, Home Built By Jeff for his mailbag segment (here’s a screenshot). One of Jeff’s viewers, Michael, was watching that very episode and decided to get in touch to show me his own project, this very sorted longhood 911. It starts out as a rusty ’69 with plans for a freshen up (way back in 2005!), but quickly snowballs into a full build with no stone left unturned, spanning over 10 years, and still continuing today.

If you’ve been following me on Instagram (@buildthreads) you might have seen a story I posted on the weekend showing some upcoming mods planned for the car. One of those being a fresh set of rubber! The tyres I had on the car were getting close to a decade in age, and even after a couple of track days, skid pans, and plenty of mountain runs, they just wouldn’t quit. While the tread was still plentiful, the compound had become hard and useless (yay free horsepower!), and a great deal on some Hankook R-s3s saw me getting the credit card out.

The tyres I had originally bought when I imported these wheels were also Hankooks, but just a regular Ventus model (I’m not even sure if R-S3s were around back then?). They were 195/45/15s, as I had wanted a lower profile because I had the car riding much lower back then.

However as time went by and the coilovers slowly got wound up a bit at a time, the 45 profile started to look out of place. I always knew my next set of tyres would be 50 profile, which is the norm for 15″ wheels on this type of car.

When I started researching what I wanted for my next set of tyres, I looked at all brands and various compounds. I ended up deciding on the R-S3s because my previous Hankooks had served me well for so long, so I felt comfortable sticking with the brand, and I didn’t feel the need to step up to a full semi-slick tyre at this point in time.

The tyres had been sitting in my garage for a few weeks now, but a free day saw me loading everything into the daily and getting the old tyres stripped off, and the new ones fitted and balanced. The car was actually up on stands waiting for one last part to arrive before I get it back on the road, but I just couldn’t resist seeing it back on all fours to check out how the taller rubber fitted the car.

The rear will need a touch of camber, but only on the passenger side, which tells me my alignment must be off, so that will be the next call to action once it’s back on the road. The front could probably do with a little bit more camber, and then I might throw a small spacer on, just to get it sitting similarly to the rear.

I can’t comment on the handling benefits or my levels of newfound grip, as I haven’t yet driven the car, but so far I’m loving how they look. Yeah! Sidewall!

Gregor Halenda is a man whose talents I’ve followed for many years. Long-time readers will remember the post I wrote up about Gregor’s multiple projects (with no less than 6 links to various threads) that he had a hand in, including his gorgeous home that opened my eyes to the wonders of mid century modern architecture. That post was made over two years ago, and Gregor has not been idle. Along with his busy photography schedule, he has turned his attentions to creating a capable adventure vehicle for quality family time on (and off) the open road. The base vehicle? An airport shuttle bus!

Every now and then I get a bit of a “wow” moment when a build finds it’s way to my inbox, and this rally car restoration is definitely one of those moments. The thread first takes you through the competition history of the car, before we begin the build with a very tired and damaged shell. With a donor car brought in for parts and panels we get taken along for the ride as years of automotive archeology are uncovered with every layer of paint sanded and spot weld drilled out. The owner/builder shows off his skills in everything from body work, fabrication, painting and composites. The car doesn’t look to be finished just yet but the thread is up to date.

Thanks to John for submitting. Not enough small French hatchback action for you? Try the Citroen and Peugeot tags.

I’ve been a long-time fan/follower of Pete and Dave from Speed Academy, two very entertaining Canadians with a knack for building fast cars (and building them the right way!). This video series centers around completely transforming a family members car from a very tired econo-box into a track-ready fun-machine. My favourite part (apart from all the building, of course) is the guy’s reactions once they hit the track and realise what they’ve created. If you haven’t seen any Speed Academy content before and you like high quality street and track cars, I really encourage you to check out their other video projects, such as the Mullet Mustang, RA24 Celica, Porsche 930 and many more.

Fun fact: Pete is also the owner/builder of the LS-swapped S13 I posted back in 2011!

It’s been a minute since I’ve featured a bike build, that’s for sure. This one was sent in by Grant, and is chock full of highly detailed and very intricate home-built fabrication. The owner mixes a great amount of DIY fab work, from sand casting to CAD, and even creates a wooden forming die to bend stainless steel. I’ll admit, most of it goes way over my head, but it looks damn cool and I’m jealous as hell of the bucketload of talent on show. If you like machining, welding and lots of shiny metal, you best get in here.

Late last year I was contacted by the team at An Italian Garage to inform me about their amazing project that was in production, and now it’s finally time to share it with you. It’s a series of short documentaries focusing on Italian classic car brands, with each season concentrating on a single brand. Season 1’s subject is the little-known brand called IsoRivolta, and episode 1 concentrates on – but is not limited to – their 7ltr Iso Grifo sports car. This is a beautifully shot video, with rolling images that will make you want to move into a little garage in the hills of Italy (if you didn’t already). Everything about it is just great, the music fits perfectly and the stories from the owners and mechanics will draw you in. This is not a quick ‘news feed’ video, but something you should sit down and take some time out to properly enjoy. I can’t wait for the following episodes and seasons.